The Works of Jesus Christ- part 1

Working for the Kingdom of God

Did you know that Jesus Christ came to earth to do the work His Father sent Him to do? And throughout the ministery of Jesus Christ, that is exactly what He did.

So what was the work that Jesus Christ was sent to do as He was instructed to do by God in heaven? Did Jesus ever describe the work He was instructed to do by God? Did Jesus ever explain to His followers exactly what the work was that He was to perform? Was His ministry the work? What exactly was His work.

The following verse explains that Jesus was sent by the Father to do His work in John 5:36 (NKJV) which state: 36 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish- the very works that I do- bear witness of Me; that the Father sent Me.

This verse explains the works of Jesus would bear witness that God sent Him. So, when did His work begin? We assume that His ministry in itself was the work or at least the teachings during His ministry. One of first statement of Jesus Christ at the beginning of His ministry in found in Matthew 4:17 (NKJV) which states: 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say; " Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand."

In this verse it was made clear, from the very beginning of His ministry the most important subject of His teaching was stated first. The announement of the Kingdom of God is at hand. This would play an important role throughout the remaineder of His ministry. Every act and every teaching He would perform from that day forward would be related directly to the Kingdom of God.

In order to understand why God sent Jesus Christ to do His work we must understand the position Jesus Christ had during His ministry. First and formost Jesus Christ was the Son of God. And second, Jesus Christ was/is a King. This position He held came with power and authority. Power that would allow Him to perform great deeds far beyound those of mortal man. And Authority to speak on behalf of the Father in heaven. Authority to reveal the Kingdom of God to those who had the eyes to see and the ears to hear. Jesus Himself was the Kingdom of God on earth. All the power and authority Jesus carried would reveal the Kingdom of God, not just in His words but in His deeds as well. The work of Jesus would prove that the Kingdom of Heaven existed.

There was two forms of revealing the Kingdom of God that Jesus Christ used. In other words Jesus Christ works came in two forms, Words and Deeds. The authority Jesus had to reveal the Kingdom of God through words (teachings). And the power to reveal the Kingdom of God through great deeds that far exceeded the abilities of mortal man (miracles).

In Matthew chapters 5 through 7 we find, what is referred to as, the Sermon of the Mount. Within these three chapters Jesus is speaking about the nature of the Kingdom of God. If we look at it closely we see the the Kingdom of heaven is mentioned 8 times during this sermon. This is one of the most important sermons relating directly to the Kingdom of God. As Jesus was teaching this sermon, His spoke as one having authority to do so. No one challenged or rebuked His sermon relating to the Kingdom of Heaven.

What followed next right after the Sermon on the Mount is a perfect example of works by deed in which Jesus performs a great act of works in Matthews 8. 1-3 which states: 1 When He had come down from the mountian, the great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leaper came and worshiped Him, saying, " Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." 3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying; "I am willing, be cleansed." Immedately his leaprosy was cleansed.

In this verse, which immedately follows the Sermon on the Mount, we see the work of healing by Jesus Christ. Why did Jesus heal this person with leaprosy? Why did Jesus do this without a secound thought. The answer is found in the Kingdom. God's Kingdom within Jesus would not allow this man to suffer a illness when the power of healing was within Jesus to heal this man.

How do we know that healing is closely related to the Kingdom of God? In a number of verse within the four gospels we have examples. One of the examples is in Matthew 10: 7-8 (NKJV) which states: 7 And as you go preach saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand; 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the leaper, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

In this example Jesus had given His disciples, power and authority that seems to be a normal process in the Kingdom of God. Although, in this case, it seemed to be for a limited time.

The manner in which Jesus spoke to His disciples to go out and do the great deeds of healing was a very normal command or instructions as far as Jesus was concerned. When Jesus performed healing, He never once referred to these great deeds of healing as miracles, but referred to them as works.

This leads me to the second part which will explains the difference between Works vs. Miracles in The works of Jesus Christ part 2.

God bless

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12 comments

PlanksandNails 2 years ago from among the called out of the ekklesia of Christ

Graceinus,

I believe that Jesus Christ had a divine commission from the Father, which attested to a divine message of the Kingdom. By the power that came from God, He performed the greatest miracles that NO ONE has been able to exceed. As He worked preaching the message of the Kingdom, divine miracles accompanied Him to attest to and confirm the work the Father had commissioned Him to fulfill.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. – John 14:12

It says in this verse that greater works than Jesus Christ will be done, but there is a distinction between works and miracles.

Just like Jesus Christ, we should all be working as representatives of the Kingdom of God in what He has commissioned us to do.

I look forward to Part 2. God Bless.

celafoe 2 years ago from Planet earth. between the oceans

Good article brother. ?? do you read and respond to the hubs that are inserted around yours? I have started to go through and comment on each of them that are not scriptural and make sure it is known that I do Not endorse them not have any control over their placment.

ie the mormon one following this article

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

PandN- Thank you very much for your supporting comment. As you have stated Jesus was commissioned by God to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. This is reflected throughout His ministry. As you have point out in John 14:12, I believe this too includes true christians to follow in the same commission to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God. And there is much "work" ahead of us. In part 2, I plan to explain how works and miracles are perceived by christians.

Again, thank you and God bless.

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

celafoe- Thank you for your comment. I have not yet read all the Hubs inserted around my articles that I have writen. However there are some I've read and made comments. I believe Hubpages has full control of how they are layed out or placed. As time allows I will at some point indicate that I don't support or endorse some of these Hub's. And make it clear that I don't support or endorse the doctrines or teaching of ANY man made church or churches. Thank you for letting me know.

God bless

Ericdierker 2 years ago from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A.

Just a wonderful hub. Voted up, interesting, awesome and useful. I think we can carefully say that this hub is good work.

I wonder on our new choice of work, a parishioner told me that real Bible study was hard work. It made me ponder the term and why I have never thought of it as work. "Works"

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

Eric- Thank you for your visit and comment. We all should be striving and seeking the Kingdom of God. This was the main focus of the works of Jesus Christ. As you mentioned, bible study is work (effort). It take willingness and desire from the person who studies to want understanding of truth. Our Lord Jesus Christ placed much effort into His ministry to spread the gospel of the Kingdom. And as christians we all should follow in His "Works."

God bless.

deorganicchurch 2 years ago from Claymont, DE

I definitely agree that as you draw near to the kingdom of God, repentance is necessary to enter.

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

deorginicchurch- Thank you for your comment and visit. I do believe that repentance is an important part of our christain faith. Without it I do believe pressing into the Kingdom of God would be most difficult. However, we must not forget that without God's grace, no one will enter the Kingdom of God. Although Jesus Himself never spoke on the subject of His grace, His actions and deeds reveals a lot about grace.

Again thanks and God bless.

BlossomSB 2 years ago from Victoria, Australia

A good hub and well researched, however we are told not to work, but to serve. There is a difference.

celafoe 2 years ago from Planet earth. between the oceans

True servanthood (serving) is manifested by doing the WORK of the Lord..

Here are just a few 0f the scriptures talking about doing the WORK of the Lord.

Eph 4:11-16 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the WORK of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the WORK of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Cor 16:10 does the WORK of the Lord, as I also do.

Phil 2:12-13 but now much more in my absence, WORK out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Phil 2:30 because for the WORK of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life,

2 Tim 4:5 do the WORK of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

BlossomSB- Thank you for your comment. However, it must be understood that the works of Jesus Christ was not His own, but the works of His Father through Jesus Christ.

In the following verse the disciples where talking to Jesus regarding a man Jesus was about to heal. It states in John 9: 3- 4 (NKJV) the following: 3 Jesus answered, " Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is still day; the night is coming when no one can work."

Following this verse Jesus healed a man who was blind. These great deeds performed by Jesus Christ was part of His ministry.

God bless.

graceinus 2 years ago from those of the Ekklesia Author

celafoe- Thank you for your follow up reply to BlossomSB. I might add that when we serve by spreading the good news of the Kingdom it is work. Jesus served God by performing and teaching these good works of God.